Plentiful pelicans around the beach (Damon Point is a hotbed for the scooped beakers) . . .

Gary Iversen photo of some locals hanging out along the canal:

Received this Monday shortly before my drop-deadline, able to get most of it in, here is the full release from Ken Lanfear:

CITY OF OCEAN SHORES ANIMAL CONTROL

Although the City does not presently have an Animal Control Officer, it is recognized that having a pet is an important part of the lives of many of our residents and visitors. However, having a large number of pet animals in the community also means that serious problems may arise that need immediate attention. These serious problems will continue to be addressed.

From Gary Iversen, with the note: “For you vacationers . . . Duck Lake as always it seems.”

You never know what you’ll see, on Duck Lake:

“We saw a rare occurrence on Monday. Two eagles were taking a bath in Duck Lake. This was the first time we saw two eagles together. We had never seen an eagle bath in the lake. Wish the pictures were clearer for you. They were taken from our deck.

Bob Cleary”

In the “public comment” of the meeting, several citizens who volunteer with animal organizations expressed alarm over this news.

“We have tremendous concerns about the animals who are lost or strayed in Ocean Shores,” said Lorna Valdez (not Debby, her sister, as originally posted erroneously), of North Beach PAWS, an all-volunteer organization.

“There are so many stray animals, especially on weekends of big festivals.”

“I think it was assumed that I and the 10 other volunteers would continue to take care of the animals,” said Jan Lane, volunteer coordinator for the City’s animal shelter. ” . . . when you let the animal control officer go, you also eliminated 11 volunteers.”

Bruce Richardson, congratulations! This photo wins a prize package including one (1) gallon of tap-fresh Ocean Shores water; one (1) “Council Members Gone Wild” video (edited version); one (1) free copy of the August Beach Approach; one (1) free dog or cat, from North Beach PAWS; and much, much more . . .

4: abandoned/lost dogs

3: reunited with owners

a tipster says “a very rare King Eider duck” has been sighted in the Damon Point State Park vicinity. 

from allaboutbirds.com: 

A large duck of Arctic coastal waters, the King Eider is one of North America’s most spectacular waterfowl species. Highly gregarious for most of the year, it forms prodigious flocks during spring migration, sometimes exceeding 10,000 individuals.

Here is what they look like (thanks to Bruce and Randy for submitting public domain photos, still looking for “the local”):

More photos of Avita by Vivian Dahlin of Red Dog Photography LTD, an Ocean Shores based outdoor pet photography business and volunteer dog photographer for North Beach PAWS. These were taken before Avita spent three months at Stafford Creek prison:

Click below to see more photos: